# NTSB DEN91LA057: Piper PA-22-150, N8543D, Fort Collins, CO, March 30, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 30, 1991, 12:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Fort Collins, CO
- Coordinates: 40.359947, -105.179656 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.3599&lon=-105.1797&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 5, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18079
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN91LA057
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18079/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN91LA057

## Probable cause

THE LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE LEFT SEAT PILOT RATED PASSENGER (WHO WAS ALSO A FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR) PERFORMED TWO TOUCH AND GO LANDINGS.  THE RIGHT SEAT PILOT IN COMMAND TOOK CONTROL TO PERFORM THE THIRD TOUCH AND GO LANDING.  A WHEEL LANDING WAS MADE.  DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE AIRPLANE BEGAN TO SWERVE LEFT AND RIGHT. IT THEN VEERED OFF THE SIDE OF THE RUNWAY AND THE LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8543D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8543D), registered now, S/N 22-5774, built 1957 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22-150
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-150) (registry code 7102210) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22-5774
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A1A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: George R. Risley
- Registered owner: George R. Risley
- Departed: 7C00, ERIE, CO
- Airport: FNL, Fort Collins-Loveland, runway 33, 8,500 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 2,340 total, 179 in this make and model, 2,340 as pilot in command, 32 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 110° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 75 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19910330008039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910330008039A), Mar 30, 1991: Piper STCPA22, Fort Collins, CO, Substantial damage. Right seat pilot owner lost control on landing. CFI on left side had brakes but unable to recover.

## Other investigations on N8543D (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB FTW73DPD44](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW73DPD44), Jun 1, 1973: Piper PA-22 (N8543D), Stamford, TX, substantial damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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